Fort Lauderdale Pedestrian Accidents: Who’s Liable When You’re Hit While Walking?

With sunny weather, vibrant beachfronts, and walkable downtown districts, Fort Lauderdale is a city where walking, jogging, and cycling are part of daily life. But as pedestrian activity increases, so does the risk of accidents. If you were hit by a vehicle, bicycle, e-scooter, or any moving object while walking in Fort Lauderdale, you may be wondering: Who is responsible—and can you be compensated?

Whether your accident occurred on a sidewalk, at a crosswalk, or in a parking lot, a Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer can help you understand your rights and pursue the financial recovery you deserve.

While pedestrians often have the right of way, that doesn’t always guarantee safety. Negligence, inattention, and even urban infrastructure can lead to serious injuries.

Some of the most frequent causes of pedestrian accidents include:

• Drivers failing to yield at intersections or crosswalks
• Distracted driving, especially texting or using apps while behind the wheel
• Speeding in residential or high-traffic areas
• E-scooter and bicycle riders colliding with pedestrians on sidewalks
• Left turns where drivers only focus on other cars, not people crossing
• Poor visibility due to weather, street lighting, or obstructions
• Delivery trucks and rideshare vehicles pulling into pedestrian paths
• Drunk or impaired drivers operating in entertainment districts

Many pedestrian crashes occur in locations with heavy foot traffic—such as near shops, restaurants, or event venues—but they can happen anywhere. When a pedestrian is struck, injuries are often severe due to the lack of physical protection.

It’s not just cars that can injure someone walking. Other personal transport options and crowded environments pose increasing risks. Here are examples of accidents pedestrians face:

• Hit by a car while legally crossing the street
• Struck by a cyclist or e-scooter rider on a sidewalk
• Injured by a turning vehicle that ignored a walk signal
• Run over in a parking lot by a reversing or distracted driver
• Knocked down by someone riding an electric skateboard or hoverboard
• Trip and fall due to damaged curbs or debris in a pedestrian pathway, caused by nearby construction or business activity

No matter the cause, if someone else’s negligence played a role, you have the right to explore a personal injury claim.

Determining who is legally responsible depends on how the accident occurred. A Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer will investigate the circumstances and identify all liable parties, which may include:

• Vehicle drivers
  • If they were speeding, distracted, or failed to yield
• Bicyclists or e-scooter riders
  • Especially if riding where not permitted or operating recklessly
• Delivery services or rideshare companies
  • If their drivers caused the crash during the course of employment
• Property owners
  • If poor maintenance or unsafe conditions contributed to the injury
• The city or a government entity
  • In cases involving poorly marked crosswalks or malfunctioning signals

Sometimes, multiple parties share liability, which is why a thorough investigation is so important.

If you’re injured while walking, your next steps can make a major difference in your recovery—physically and legally. Here's what to do:

• Call 911 and seek medical attention
  • Even if you feel okay, some injuries (like brain trauma or internal bleeding) can appear hours later
• Report the accident
  • Make sure a police report is filed and ask for a copy
• Take photos or videos
  • Capture the accident scene, your injuries, nearby signs or signals, and any vehicles or devices involved
• Get witness information
  • Bystanders can support your account of what happened
• Avoid discussing fault
  • Statements made at the scene or to insurance companies may be used against you
• Contact a Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer
  • They’ll protect your rights, guide you through the claims process, and negotiate on your behalf

Pedestrian accident injuries can be serious, often requiring hospitalization, surgery, or long-term care. If someone else’s negligence caused your injury, you may be able to recover damages such as:

• Medical expenses
  • ER visits, surgeries, physical therapy, medications, follow-up appointments
• Lost wages
  • Income lost due to time away from work, and loss of future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
  • Physical pain, emotional distress, PTSD, anxiety, or reduced quality of life
• Rehabilitation and future care
  • For chronic injuries or permanent disability
• Wrongful death damages
  • If a loved one was fatally struck, surviving family members may be eligible for compensation

A Fort Lauderdale pedestrian accident lawyer can assess your unique case and fight for the full value of your claim.

Insurance companies may try to reduce or deny your claim—even if liability seems clear. A Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorney can:

• Gather key evidence like surveillance footage, witness statements, and expert evaluations
• Negotiate with insurance adjusters to secure fair compensation
• File a lawsuit if necessary, especially when the at-fault party or insurer refuses to cooperate
• Guide you through complex laws, including comparative fault if they argue you were partially responsible

With legal support, you can focus on recovery while your attorney handles the legal strategy.

Since 1963, Jerome Wolfson, Esq. and the team at Wolfson & Leon have proudly served accident victims across Florida:

• Miami
• Fort Lauderdale
• Orlando
• Tampa
• Jacksonville
• West Palm Beach
• Fort Myers
• Cape Coral
• Sarasota
• Clearwater
• Tallahassee

Let us help you get back on the road to recovery. Call (305) 285-1115 today, and our team will handle your case with the personal care and attention you deserve.